Sep 12 – 16, 2005
University of Liverpool
Europe/Zurich timezone

An X-ray Scanner Prototype Based on a Novel Hybrid Gaseous Detector

Sep 13, 2005, 9:45 AM
15m
University of Liverpool

University of Liverpool

Greenbank Conference Park
Contributed Talk X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors S3 : X-ray and Gamma-ray Detectors

Speaker

Prof. Vladimir Peskov (Leonard de Vinci University, France)

Description

In the last few years several groups and companies tried to develop mammographic scanners based on GaAs, Si solid -state detectors or high -pressure Xe gaseous detectors [1-3]. The main advantages of the scanner system are the simplicity of the design (1D detector) and the readout electronics and hence a low cost. We have developed and successfully tested an innovative approach in the X-ray scanning systems which combines the advantages of high stopping power and a high position resolution typical for solid- state detectors with high avalanche multiplications offered by gaseous detectors. A novel scanner prototype consists of a gas chamber (filled with Ar-based gas mixture at p=1atm) inside which a 1D hybrid gaseous detector was installed; the last one was an edge- on illuminated capillary plate (the X-ray converter) combined with a parallel-plate gas multiplication structure. The capillary plate (CPs) tested were made of lead glass and had thicknesses of 0,4-1 mm; the holes had diameter of 12, 25 or 50 μm and the wall thickness was 2,5, 5 or 8 μm respectively. A readout plate was placed 0,4 mm below the CP. It was a ceramic plate with Cr strips of a 50 μm pitch. Strips were connected to an ASIC having a digital readout. The X-ray beam (with energy of 19-30 keV) was collimated by a slit of 50 μm in width. The collimated X-ray beam enters the CP in between of its anode and cathode surface and parallel to them (edge- on illuminated geometry). Such a geometrical arrangement allows one to achieve a high stopping power and at the same time does not require very high accuracy in the beam alignment with respect the CP. Photo (and Compton) electrons liberated from the thin walls of the CP entered the capillary holes and created there microtracks of primary electrons. Under the influence of the electric filed applied between the capillary electrodes, the primary electrons drifted through the capillary holes and finally were the extracted to the gap between the CP and the readout plate. A voltage of 1-2 kV could be applied between the CP and the readout plate which made it possible for avalanche multiplication to take place in this region. At a gas gain of ≥104 the readout electronic detected primary photoelectrons with a 100% efficiency The usual glass CP operate without noticeable charging up effects at counting rates of 50 Hz/mm2 and hydrogen -treated CP -up to 105 Hz/mm2. The efficiency of the hybrid detector was, depending on energy, between 8 and 42 %, position resolutions of 50 μm in digital form. Images of several objects and a mammography phantom obtained with this detector will be demonstrated. Since the detector operated in photon counting mode, high quality images could be obtained at radiation dose of 3- 5 times less than with standard mammographic technique. The developed scanner may open new possibilities for medical imaging, for example mammography, radiology (including security devices) crystallography and many other applications. References: [1] See talks at the Proceedings of the Conference “Imaging –2000”, NIM A471, 2001 [2] See talks at the Proceedings of the London Conf. On Position- Sensitive Detectors, NIM A513, 2003 2002 [3] See talks at the Proceedings of the Conference “Imaging -2003” NIM A525, 2004

Primary author

Prof. Vladimir Peskov (Leonard de Vinci University, France)

Presentation materials